C’WEALTH GAMES – Sri Lanka through on points difference

England, Singapore and Malaysia cruise through with another 5-0, but New Zealand narrowly lost out to Sri Lanka on corrected points difference.

By Michael Burke, Badzine Correspondent, live from Glasgow.  Photos: Yohan Nonotte for Badmintonphoto (live).

The mornings’ games to round out the group stages were given added spice by last nights whitewashing of New Zealand by the home side, as the players believed a possible quarterfinal was at stake if Jamaica could seal a 5-0 victory against South Africa.

The Jamaicans started well winning the first two games, both the mixed doubles and then Gareth Henry’s singles (pictured left) against Vijayanath going to three games.

Geordine Henry spoke of Jamaica’s chances, “That game was strong but we know we need a 5-0 win. We have a good team playing so we should win if we all play well.

As it was, the Jamaican hopes were shattered in the womens’ singles as Ruth Williams could not take the pressure from Elm de Villiers.

This was all a bit of a red herring however as Sri Lanka progressed as the last lucky loser, as the results were calculated with corrections for the three-team group. As such, New Zealand’s points difference of +26 was not enough to see off Sri Lanka with +50 as they were made to pay for the humbling at the hands of the hosts last night.

It was more plain sailing for Singapore, Malaysia and England however who all progressed with 5-0 victories.

Mens singles player Liew Daren (pictured right), from the defending champions of Malaysia spoke of the title defence, “This is my first game so was good to work for the next match whether quarterfinals or individual.”

On their chances as favourites, “We’re playing well but we’ve had some easy games so we still can get better.”

Second seeds England also had an easier ride to the knockout stages, and Chris Langridge (pictured left) spoke about the challenges ahead.

“The quarterfinals are going to be tough, the draw is today and then who knows who we’ll play tonight.”

“We were second seeds so obviously you’d expect an easier group, but sometimes it is harder to play against people who don’t play as much, it can be difficult to adjust and stay focussed.”

The English and the Malaysians have secured their places on opposite sides of the draw and will not face each other until the finals.

The draw for the quarterfinals this afternoon will be as follows.

Top half:

Malaysia vs. Scotland

Singapore vs. Australia

Bottom half:

Canada vs. India

Sri Lanka vs. England

The full results for the end of the group stages at the Commonwealth Games can be found here.